Not Stopping for School Bus in Lane Opposite Double Yellow Line

[Anonymous]

Just a PSA that if you encounter a stopped school bus with flashing red lights in Maryland, you must stop within 20 feet of the bus, even if you are on the opposite side of double yellow lines, where pedestrians cannot cross. I got a $250 ticket in the mail, as I didn't know what the rule was as I was approaching a busy four lane intersection and wasn't sure whether/when/where to stop.

[Anonymous]

Yep, my husband just got one too in the the same setup--double line, 4 lanes of traffic. He doesn't even remember passing the bus.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just a PSA that if you encounter a stopped school bus with flashing red lights in Maryland, you must stop within 20 feet of the bus, even if you are on the opposite side of double yellow lines, where pedestrians cannot cross. I got a $250 ticket in the mail, as I didn't know what the rule was as I was approaching a busy four lane intersection and wasn't sure whether/when/where to stop.

Wait, what? There is no law saying that pedestrians are not allowed to cross a double yellow line.

When in doubt, STOP FOR THE SCHOOL BUS THAT HAS ITS RED LIGHTS ON.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just a PSA that if you encounter a stopped school bus with flashing red lights in Maryland, you must stop within 20 feet of the bus, even if you are on the opposite side of double yellow lines, where pedestrians cannot cross. I got a $250 ticket in the mail, as I didn't know what the rule was as I was approaching a busy four lane intersection and wasn't sure whether/when/where to stop.

If in doubt, always stop.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just a PSA that if you encounter a stopped school bus with flashing red lights in Maryland, you must stop within 20 feet of the bus, even if you are on the opposite side of double yellow lines, where pedestrians cannot cross. I got a $250 ticket in the mail, as I didn't know what the rule was as I was approaching a busy four lane intersection and wasn't sure whether/when/where to stop.

If in doubt, always stop.

Yeah, I know. But it happened very quickly. I didn't even realize it had its flashing light on until I was already close. Again it's a busy intersection, coming up to two turn lanes, and a lot going on. Luckily there were no kids on foot.

[Anonymous]

Unless it's a divided road (concrete median), then it's OK to proceed if bus is stopped in other direction.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just a PSA that if you encounter a stopped school bus with flashing red lights in Maryland, you must stop within 20 feet of the bus, even if you are on the opposite side of double yellow lines, where pedestrians cannot cross. I got a $250 ticket in the mail, as I didn't know what the rule was as I was approaching a busy four lane intersection and wasn't sure whether/when/where to stop.

Wait, what? There is no law saying that pedestrians are not allowed to cross a double yellow line.

When in doubt, STOP FOR THE SCHOOL BUS THAT HAS ITS RED LIGHTS ON.

I agree there isn't a law saying pedestrians are not allowed to cross a double yellow line, but in this spot, the crosswalk is about 25 feet away. You would be crossing four lanes of traffic, so you should cross at the crosswalk, not at the double yellow line area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just a PSA that if you encounter a stopped school bus with flashing red lights in Maryland, you must stop within 20 feet of the bus, even if you are on the opposite side of double yellow lines, where pedestrians cannot cross. I got a $250 ticket in the mail, as I didn't know what the rule was as I was approaching a busy four lane intersection and wasn't sure whether/when/where to stop.

Wait, what? There is no law saying that pedestrians are not allowed to cross a double yellow line.

When in doubt, STOP FOR THE SCHOOL BUS THAT HAS ITS RED LIGHTS ON.

I agree there isn't a law saying pedestrians are not allowed to cross a double yellow line, but in this spot, the crosswalk is about 25 feet away. You would be crossing four lanes of traffic, so you should cross at the crosswalk, not at the double yellow line area.

Yeah but they'll get you anyway. Same situation here. $500 ticket last year. I'd never gotten a ticket for anything before in my life but that made up for my years of cautious driving!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Unless it's a divided road (concrete median), then it's OK to proceed if bus is stopped in other direction.

Not “unless” but “If” or “Where”. Words matter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Unless it's a divided road (concrete median), then it's OK to proceed if bus is stopped in other direction.

You got it backwards.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unless it's a divided road (concrete median), then it's OK to proceed if bus is stopped in other direction.

You got it backwards.

+1

The only time you don't have to stop is if it's divided by concrete.

[Anonymous]

The cameras on that bus must be amazing. It was a 4-lane road, and you were 3 lanes over going the opposite direction?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just a PSA that if you encounter a stopped school bus with flashing red lights in Maryland, you must stop within 20 feet of the bus, even if you are on the opposite side of double yellow lines, where pedestrians cannot cross. I got a $250 ticket in the mail, as I didn't know what the rule was as I was approaching a busy four lane intersection and wasn't sure whether/when/where to stop.

Wait, what? There is no law saying that pedestrians are not allowed to cross a double yellow line.

When in doubt, STOP FOR THE SCHOOL BUS THAT HAS ITS RED LIGHTS ON.

I agree there isn't a law saying pedestrians are not allowed to cross a double yellow line, but in this spot, the crosswalk is about 25 feet away. You would be crossing four lanes of traffic, so you should cross at the crosswalk, not at the double yellow line area.

Yeah but they'll get you anyway. Same situation here. $500 ticket last year. I'd never gotten a ticket for anything before in my life but that made up for my years of cautious driving!

OP here. $500? Oh that's painful. I read the ordinance to say that the max is supposed to be $250. Were you actually pulled over as moving violation, or was that what you got in the mail?

[Anonymous]

Are there cameras on VA/DC buses yet?

[Anonymous]

I only encounter buses on 2- lane roads with double yellow lines, and of course both directions stop! No question.

I can see where 4 lanes is crazier and busier, but of course you all stop. Esp if you see three other lanes stopping.